Romantic Getaway In Holbox Island

There are very few places on Earth that get a more romantic vibe than the one Holbox has. This little, remote, and paradise-like island will never stop to surprise you.

There are two types of travelers who think of Holbox, those who dream of going there... and those who dream of returning. 😉

If you are part of the former group, then let us tell you about the spectacular beauties of Holbox, we'll give you some tips to prepare your trip, when to go and what to do in Holbox. Odigoo puts its experience at your service so that you have a perfect stay in this wonderful place.

Here is an article specially focused on romantic getaways and honeymoons to enjoy every minute of your stay and create fabulous memories for the rest of your life.

Follow Odigoo's parrot, it will share its best advice with you.

About Holbox

First, you need to learn how to pronounce it correctly as the sound of its name is very magical itself and has nothing to do with the English word “box”. So, Holbox should be properly pronounced “hol-bosh”. Now, we can continue.

Holbox is located in the northern part of the Yucatan Peninsula. When you look for it on a map, locate Cancun and then go a bit left and up. It should be there. 😍

Holbox is 26 miles (42 km) long and about 1 mile (1.6 km) wide. It’s smaller than Cozumel, but bigger than Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy. The whole area is about 21 square miles (56 sq km).

👉 To learn more about the islands in the Mexican take a look to this post cost 🌴 Islands near Cancun!

Holbox means “Black Hole” in Maya. The name was given to the island by its first inhabitants at the end of the 19th century.

Today Holbox is still a paradise with fewer tourists than in Playa del Carmen or Cozumel.

How to Get to Holbox, Mexico

How to get to any island is always an issue, so to spare you some time looking for your best option, let me show you some today.

✈️ You can get to Holbox by a small plane, and it’s your fastest option but definitely not the cheapest.

And depending on the number of people and your starting point you may be very limited in the baggage you can take with you. Check prices and luggage allowed at the Flights Holbox site.

If you don't want to fly, other options are also availabe to you, but they will all take you to the Port of Chiquila.

From there you will take the ferry to go to Holbox.

🚗 You can choose to rent a car. rent a car. If you choose this option, you must leave your rental vehicle in one of the several parking lots in Chiquila. It will cost you around 5 US dollars per day.

Then you will have to go to the ferry dock.

🚌 Among the other options available to get to the port of Chiquila and the go across the sea to Holbox, you can also take public transportation.

The ADO buses, departing from different destinations in the Riviera Maya, will take you to this little paradise at the end of the world.

🚗 Check out our article! Public transportation in the Riviera Maya..

And at last, taking a taxi cab or hiring a private driver are both options to get to Holbox. Of coursee, these aren't very cheap.

You can check the updated schedules and prices of the ferries, click here!

For your information: the ferries leave very frequently, you will not wait more than 30 minutes at the dock between each rotation. The trip to Holbox takes around 25 minutes.

Once you get to the island, we recommend you to rent a golf cart, it's not expensive and it's a lot of fun. It is also the only way to travel on the island because there are no roads no regular cars.

When you have a golf cart, take the road to your hotel, your vacation rental or the place you have chosen as your love nest to spend your romantic getaway in Holbox.

When to Visit Holbox

The best time to visit Holbox is not very different from other popular destinations on the Yucatan Peninsula.

January to April is the warmest, but it's the high season for other Yucatan destinations so many tourists are coming to Holbox too.

End of April to November is the season for bioluminescence and whale sharks. This is the best time to observe the incredible phenomenon of bioluminescence in Holbox. Also, this is the best time to swim with whale sharks, the world's largest fish, also called the gentle giants of the seas. They come to feed in plankton-laden waters from May to September. 🐋

Warning! These months are also the same as the hurricane season. That is why you must pay attention to the weather forecasts and consider taking a look to the change/cancellation policies with hotesl and airlines in case your trip is compromised by the weather conditions.

November through December are still warm, there is no rain and there are not so many tourists around so if you want just some quality, relaxation time, these can be your best months.

Things to Do and See in Holbox

Holbox is not that rustic and sleepy as it used to be and the hip boho vibe has just augmented its charm without taking anything off its original beauty.

There are many things to do and see in Holbox, let us show you some of them. If you are planning your romantic getaway to Holbox, here are some ideas.

Swim and Snorkel with Whale Sharks

Have you ever swum with a shark? Being in Holbox you have an opportunity to swim and snorkel with 14-meter long whale sharks!

They’re friendly animals so there’s no need to worry about your safety and we can assure you that the experience is unforgettable.

Scuba diving is not allowed but you can swim and snorkel next to these gentle giants. You won’t be allowed to touch them but it’s still a heck of an encounter.

It is a privilege to swim so closely with the largest fish in the world.

Odigoo Tip:

If you are going to do an activity like this, try to wear biodegradable sunscreen or a UV-protective shirt to avoid contaminating the water and poisoning marine animals.

📅 When to swim with whale sharks? Whale shark season runs from mid-May to mid-September. If you want to live this extraordinary experience, plan your trip to Holbox during this period.

Watch the Bioluminescence

It’s one of the top and the most romantic activities to do in Holbox. The beaches and waters of Holbox turn glowing blue in dark, moonless nights.

The beaches in Holbox are home to microscopic plankton that illuminates when hit by the waves. You can observe it from a beach, swimming and snorkellig in blue, glowing waters or kayaking. It will always be amazing.

Although this phenomenon may occur almost all year round, the months between April and November are said to be the best ones to watch it. Avoid the nights with a full moon, as the excess of light won’t make the bioluminescence visible.

Watch the Sunset

Holbox is one of the best spots on Earth to watch the sunset and here, it’s really a thing to do!

You may just hit the main pier at the end of the main street, get some food and a bottle of champagne, and observe the sunset over the ocean or you can look for a spot in one of the bars and restaurants on the coast.

Locals go to El Chiringuitob bar on the beach but if you’re looking for something fancier, you can even take a Catamaran tour to watch the sunset in Holbox.

Odigoo Tip:

Get a drink and snack to watch the ocean sunset with your couple on the beach.

Visit the town

The town and the whole island are worth visiting. You can discover the charm of the small down town. Stroll through the colorful alleys of the center and admire the incredible diversity of murals that adorn the small town.

Street art is one of the attractions of downtown Holbox. It covers almost all the buildings in the city.

Be sure to visit the craft shops that are found throughout down town, you will find very beautiful pieces and souvenirs to take to your loved ones.

Hungry?

Stop at one of the restaurants to try the fish and seafood.

One of the most demanded dishes: lobster! 🦞 🤤

Once you are done strolling through downtown, we recommend you rent a golf cart to explore the sandy paths of the island. You can go from one side of the island to the other in an hour and admire the magnificent tropical vegetation of the island.

In the evening, you can dine at one of the restaurants you've had time to choose from during your golf cart ride.

Spend a Day on the Beach

No remorses on this.

You’re entitled to do nothing and spend the whole day or even days without leaving the beach.

You can lounge in a sea or beach hammock, sip on a delicious cocktail or freezing cold beer from a bucket and savor local snacks at their best.

Try the shrimp cocktail or ceviche, they will taste delicious on a hot day.

There are many bars and beach clubs on the coast, some of them fancier than the others. Stroll around and choose the one where you feel most comfortable.

👉 For more information about beaches in the Mexican Caribbean, take a look to this article: Best Beaches in Cancun and Riviera Maya.

Visit the Islands Around 🏝️

It’s a common choice to go on a tour that lets you experience the natural environment of Holbox and its surroundings.

The tour usually includes a visit to Isla Pájaros (Bird Island) where you can step on viewing platforms to watch and photograph flamingos, pelicans, horned bills, and many other birds.

You’ll also stop on Isla de la Pasión (Passion Island) where you can try hand fishing, visit the bubbling Yalahau Cenote and swim inside it.

Try Kitesurfing

Did you know that Holbox is one of the best spots on Earth to try kitesurfing?

Its shallow waters are perfect for beginners, as well as easy wind conditions, and there are almost no obstacles.

The winter months have the best weather conditions but you can try it all year round.

You won’t have any problems finding classes. Almost every restaurant or beach shop offers this possibility.

👉 Want to know more about water activities in Cancun and Riviera Maya? Take a look to our post,, Water activites in Cancun.

📅 Book Your Vacation in Holbox!!!

No matter if you’re looking for a romantic getaway or just to spend a relaxing time with your family or friends, Holbox is a perfect place.

😊 This tropical destination will definitely live to your expectations and will make you wish to come back.

Holbox is waiting for you!